South Charlotte: Hispanic Heritage Month Highlights
Published on September 22, 2023
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Charlotte, North Carolina is as easy as spending a day supporting our many Latinx-owned businesses.
This week, head down past South End and LoSo into South Charlotte! There are so many opportunities to dine, shop, and experience all that our Hispanic community has to offer in the area surrounding South, Tyvola, and Archdale. Here are some suggestions for how to spend your day...
(NOTE: Resident reviews in this series are sourced from Google, Yelp and Facebook.)
Eat – Breakfast
El Puro Cuban Restaurant
Weekend brunch at El Puro consistently brings the family-owned Cuban restaurant rave reviews. It’s a perfect example of their style—traditional Cuban food with a twist. Brunch is only available between Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., so plan ahead and arrive at 5033 South Boulevard ready to eat. Visit El Puro Cuban Restaurant online.
El Puro’s Tres Leches Pancakes come with fresh fruit and candied walnuts.
“We loved brunch at El Puro. Our server was fantastic. He made good suggestions, and the overall level of service exceeds most in the area. The food and cocktails were outstanding. I can’t wait to try more of the menu!” - Angie R.
Eat – Lunch
Brasas Arepas & Grill
This part-Venezuelan, part-Colombian restaurant at 4740 Old Pineville Road is so proud of its arepas, the owners made sure to include them in its name! That also explains why the menu has an entire page dedicated to all the different varieties. Stop in and try some for lunch. Visit Brasas Arepas & Grill's Facebook Page.
A small sample of Brasas’ many arepa varieties.
“Brasas is hands down one of the best Hispanic/Latino restaurants in Charlotte. The food is always on point, and they never disappoint. My go-to is the bandeja paisa, but you can’t go wrong with their arepas or carne a la bara. If you haven’t tried it yet, I suggest you do soon.” - Ana M.
Eat – Dinner
Punta Cana Caribbean Restaurant & Grill
If you’re searching for a taste of the Caribbean for dinner, head to Punta Cana at 5230 South Boulevard. This place has authentic, home-cooked Dominican food all over the menu—including several mofongo varieties and a traditional locrio. Plus, the restaurant turns into a Rumba party every Saturday night at 9 p.m. Visit Punta Cana Caribbean Restaurant & Grill.
Mofongo con Pernil (roast pork) at Punta Cana.
“I can’t say enough good about this place. The atmosphere was completely inviting. The wait staff was prompt and friendly. The food was impeccable. Perfectly seasoned, perfectly cooked and plated. I have found my authentic Dominican restaurant. I will be back, and I will overeat again.” - Edward N.
Eat – Dessert
Suárez Bakery
Heading east of South Boulevard, you’ll find one of Charlotte’s most celebrated bakeries in Park Road Shopping Center. Suárez specializes in doughnuts, pastries, and desserts. You can stop in for a cake slice and pastry or you can order ahead for customized creations—including message doughnuts (pictured). Find them at 4245 Park Road. Visit Suárez Bakery online.
Fall-inspired cookies from Suárez Bakery.
“This is by far one of the best bakeries in Charlotte, hands down. I’ve been coming here for years. They have some of the best customer service I’ve ever seen and absolutely delicious food. I would definitely recommend any of their cakes or pastries.” - Aidan P.
Shop
Botanica Baron del Cementerio
Sandwiched among other Hispanic shops and services is an unassuming botanica stocked with all of your spiritual needs. Shop for candles, sage, charcoal, and incense before getting a tarot reading from the owner himself. These are just a few of the things you’ll find at 5725 South Boulevard. Visit Botanica Baron el Cementerio online.
The botanica has several spiritual candles from which to choose.
“Any chance I get, I make my way to this store. Julio is extremely polite and helpful. He keeps an awesome inventory, and I find myself acting like a kid in a candy store each time I go. I LOVE getting items from him. From the time you step in to shop or get a reading, you can tell Julio is invested and loves what he does!” - Kayla D.
Take Care of Yourself
Prime Tattoos
Self-care comes in many forms, and for some, it means getting a new tattoo from a talented local artist. The owner and key artist at Prime Tattoos, Prime, has been tattooing for over ten years and mostly focuses on portraits and realism. Open five days a week, you can stop in for a free consultation Wednesday through Saturday from 1 to 7 p.m. at 7631 Sharon Lakes Road (Suite Q). Visit Prime Tattoos online.
Black & gray realism tattoo of a lion by Prime.
“Prime Tattoos is the place to go! I got several tattoos here and the experience each time was better than the last. Prime did an incredible job and his shop is awesome. Everyone is friendly and the vibe is great! I highly recommend Prime Tattoos to anyone looking for an incredible experience with a super talented artist!” - Paul N.
Take Care of Your Errands
J&Y Computers
Founded by technician Reyna Bautista, J&Y Computers is a trusted computer repair and support specialist in South Charlotte. They believe that technology should work for you, not against you. So, if your computer, phone, or tablet is in need of a repair, visit J&Y at 4724 Old Pineville Road. While you’re there, check out their refurbished computers for sale! Visit J&Y Computers online.
J&Y Computers offers mobile phone repairs as one of their many helpful services.
“Best service ever! Was looking for a repair shop, and it’s not easy to find one. The woman that helped me was super polite and professional! Recommend it to everyone!!” - Serge F.
Experience
33rd Latin American Festival
Returning to Charlotte on Saturday, Sept. 23, the Latin American Festival is all about celebrating the music, food, art, and culture of our Hispanic community. This year, the free festival will take place in South Charlotte at The Amp Ballantyne (11115 Upper Avenue) and will feature a performance from Felipe Peláez. Learn more about the 33rd Latin American Festival.
The Latin American Festival returns for its 33rd year on Sept. 23.
This festival is hosted by La Coalición (Latin American Coalition) and is part of the Charlotte International Arts Festival.
Support
Latin Americans Working for Achievement
Determined to advance the education and quality of life for Latinos in the Charlotte region, Latin Americans Working for Achievement (LAWA) offers scholarships and college/career readiness programs to Latin American students. Visit the LAWA website to learn more about how you can get involved with the organization.
Organization logo for Latin Americans Working for Achievement.
LAWA has offices at 1515 Mockingbird Lane on the first floor.
This list is merely a sample of the many Latinx-owned businesses that call South Charlotte home. While we cannot feature all of them, we encourage residents to continue showing up and supporting these businesses throughout Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond.